Electric kick scooter pilot project
Last updated on April 10, 2024
From 2021 to 2024, the B.C. government held a pilot project to test limited use of electric kick scooters in participating pilot communities. The pilot project was renewed on April 5, 2024, for an additional four-year term.
Electric kick scooters are battery-powered devices with a motor and two to four wheels, a platform for standing and handlebars for steering.
About the pilot project
Starting April 5, 2024, a new pilot project is underway to test electric kick scooter use in participating B.C. communities. The Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation sets rules for the pilot project. Each participating community can also set certain rules, such as where you may use an electric kick scooter (e.g. multi-use paths). The B.C. government is using the results of these pilot projects to determine if and how electric kick scooters should be authorized for permanent use in the province.
Pilot project rules
A licence or insurance is not required to operate an electric kick scooter but you must be at least 16 years old and follow provincial rules and any set by a participating community. You can view the provincial rules in the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulation and contact your local government for information.
Know the rules to safely ride and operate an electric kick scooter.
Participating communities
You may ride an electric kick scooter in a participating community. The following are current participating communities (starting April 5, 2024, unless otherwise noted):
- City of Chilliwack
- City of Coquitlam
- City of Cranbrook
- City of Kelowna
- City of Langford
- City of North Vancouver
(starting April 10, 2024) - City of Penticton
- City of Richmond
- City of Vancouver
- City of Vernon
- City of Victoria
- District of Saanich
- District of North Vancouver
(starting April 10, 2024) - Town of Oliver
- Town of Osoyoos
Participating communities may have bylaws setting criteria for electric kick scooter use. Check with your municipality to understand what rules apply in your community.
Starting June 3, 2024, electric kick scooter riders (along with cyclists and other vulnerable road users) have new protections under B.C.'s new vulnerable road user law which require drivers to always drive safely and give space when passing.
Contact
Contact us if you have questions about the electric kick scooter pilot project.
Local governments can continue to join the new pilot project after April 5, 2024. Please contact us for further information and onboarding help.
Email: MVA.Pilot.Project@gov.bc.ca
Contact your local government if you have questions about riding your electric kick-scooter in your community.